Definition

Your peripheral nerves link your brain and spinal cord to the other parts of your body, such as your muscles and skin. Peripheral nerves are fragile and easily damaged. A nerve injury can interfere with your brain's ability to communicate with your muscles and organs.

If you feel tingling or numbness in your leg, arm, shoulder or hand, you may have injured one or more nerves when you had an accident or broke a bone. You may also experience numbness or tingling if a nerve is being compressed due to factors such as a narrow passageway, tumor or other diseases.

It's important to get medical care for a peripheral nerve injury as soon as possible because nerve tissue can be repaired. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and permanent injury.

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